Well, we didn’t have saints in the Old Testament, did we?
I am a convert to Catholicism from Methodism. The reason I converted was my belief that the Catholic Church is closest to the Church Christ founded.
A study of the early Church shows many examples of the mass, confession, priests, etc.
I am not going to knock Protestants, but I do wonder how those who think their way is the correct one explain the 1500 years of Catholicism prior to the Reformation. Were all of those people wrong? Were they not saved?
As a follow-up, was the Inquisition?
Finally, would you like to make a comparison as to whether Catholic tradition vs. Protestant doctrine has more of a Biblical basis?
PS: Where can I find the Biblical basis for a celibate priesthood? Is it the Old, or New Testament? I just find it odd that a Catholic uses Holy Scripture as a basis for justifying his denomination's doctrine; when I've engaged in theological debates with Roman Catholics, I'm always told that "church tradition" counts as much as Biblical authority.
Actually we did! This is the first usage of the word “Saints” in the entire Bible: (Deu 33:1-3 KJV) And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. {2} And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. {3} Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.
The Bible calls 'saints" to all believers, whether they lived before or after Christ. Now, if you are thinking on "Catholic-style" saints, you would be right, there ain'!
Can you please show me some biblical examples of confession, priests... in the early Church? As a Sunday school teacher I would be very interested to have a look at them. I love it when I can learn something new!
Am I going to get one? Is there a Scriptural basis for any? Thanks in advance.